We've all been in the situation where we can't or don't want to do the thing we committed to doing. It always seems easier in the moment to cancel the plans and ask for forgiveness.
This is always the easy way out, but it's rarely the right way out.
When we cancel plans at the last minute (and this is coming from someone who has cancelled many plans at many last minutes), we're disrespecting the people with whom we made the plans. And by extension, we're disrespecting the people in their lives as well.
Because when we make plans with someone, we have to get on the same page with the immediate people in our life. We have to make sure the kids are taken care of. We have to make sure our boss is cool with missing a meeting. We have to block out our calendar and say no to other potential opportunities. So when we flake on someone or get flaked on by someone, a lot of people are impacted.
When we cancel plans at the last minute, it gives us a momentary reprieve from the stress and anxiety we were feeling about those plans. But that momentary reprieve gives way to guilt. And for me, the guilt is worse than the stress and anxiety. It also lasts longer.
Most of our friends totally understand when we have to cancel at the last minute. But that doesn't make it right. And it doesn't lessen the impact on that friend or the immediate people in their life.
The next time we're in a situation where we want to cancel at the last minute, let's think about the many people who will be negatively impacted. And let's take it a step further by refraining from committing to things to which we might regret committing.
Make it a great day!
Coach Chris